Being unhappy

From May Ann Mateo Rigor

Being unhappy is not a free pass to betray someone.

One of the biggest lies people tell themselves is the cheating happened because something was missing in the relationship. They blame the lack of attention, affection, intimacy, or appreciation, as if those things somehow erase the responsibility of the choices they made.

The truth is, every relationship goes through difficult seasons. People feel lonely. They argue. They grow apart. But those moments don't force anyone to be unfaithful. Long before the affair happened, there were other choices available. They could have spoken honestly, asked for help, worked on the relationship, or ended it with respect. Instead, they chose deception.

The most painful part isn't that they were unhappy. It's that they expected their unhappiness to justify creating even greater pain for someone who trusted them. They wanted understanding for their actions while giving none to the person they betrayed.

Being unhappy may explain why a relationship is struggling. It will never explain away betrayal. If you no longer want the relationship, leave with honesty. Don't keep someone believing they are loved while you're secretly breaking the promises you made to them.

Because the moment you choose betrayal over honesty, your unhappiness stops being the issue. Your character becomes the story.